EX POW ASSOCIATION OF W.A. AND THE MOUNT LAWLEY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL SERVICE AT THE EX-POW MEMORIAL IN KINGS PARK, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Chairman of the Burma Thailand Railway Memorial Association Eric Wilson OAM APM attended the 28th Memorial Service for ex-Prisoners of War conducted by Mount Lawley Senior High School at Kings Park on Friday 10th May 2024. The Burma Thailand Railway Memorial Association, the Ex-Prisoners of War Association and the Mount Lawley Senior High School have been associated with this function since 1997. Mount Lawley Senior High School has been regularly represented on the Quiet Lion Tour to Thailand for Anzac Day by students at the school.
A large contingent of people that included Arthur Leggett OAM ED, (President of the ex-POW Association), assembled at the Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Kings Park. The service was coordinated and supported admirably by the Principal, Staff and Students from Mount Lawley Senior High School. This included the school choir, concert band and buglers year 12 students Elena Chou and Rosie Scutt.
The Australia Defence Force, Service Groups and other organization were well represented together with many veterans and their families. The Lieutenant Governor of Western Australia, the Honorable Peter Quinlan SC headed the list of distinguished guests and addressed the assemblage on the importance of the function.
The Master of Ceremonies, School Captain Amy Crawford opened proceedings. “Follow The Dream” student Richard Jackson presented an Acknowledgement of Country and an address of welcome.
Mount Lawley Senior High Mr. Andrew Paul presented the Call to Worship.
Hannah Brasier, School Prefect, led the Lord’s Prayer.
The principal’s address was delivered by Mount Lawley Senior High School Principal Ms Lesley Street who referred to the first two students to attend the Quiet Lion Tour in 1998.
The school choir delivered a beautiful rendition of the hymn Abide with Me.
School prefect Ashanti Allen recited Psalm 121.
Lieutenant Governor of Western Australia the Honorable Peter Quinlan SC delivered the principal address highlighting the hardships of POWs in general and particularly the Burma Thailand Railway and Japan.
Many wreaths from individuals and kindred organizations were laid.
A wreath was laid on behalf of the BTRMA by the Chairman Eric Wilson.
Arthur Leggett OAM ED (President of the ex-POW Association) recited the Ode.
Elena Chou and Rosie Scutt, year 12 students, rendered The Last Post and after one minute silence, the Reveille.
Flags were raised from half-mast in perfect unison.
The assembly sang the National Anthem before Mr. Andrew Paul completed the ceremony with the Blessing.
The service concluded with tea, coffee and light refreshments supplied by the catering students at Mount Lawley Senior High School – including a packet of their Anzac Cookies.
Once again, a wonderful effort by all concerned.
Eric Wilson
